Consumer Behaviour
Definition:
Consumer behaviour refers to the mental, emotional, and behavioural responses of individuals when they consume, purchase, or dispose of goods and services. It includes the decision-making process, motivations, and factors that influence consumer behaviour.
Key Concepts:
1. Consumer Decision-Making Process:
- Need recognition
- Information search
- Evaluation of alternatives
- Purchase decision
- Post-purchase evaluation
2. Motivations:
- Physiological needs (e.g., hunger, thirst)
- Safety needs (e.g., security, stability)
- Social needs (e.g., belonging, esteem)
- Self-actualization needs (e.g., growth, purpose)
3. Influencing Factors:
Personal Factors:
- Age, gender, income, education, lifestyle, personality
Psychological Factors:
- Perception, motivation, beliefs, attitudes
- Cognitive dissonance, conformity, psychological biases
Social Factors:
- Culture, social class, reference groups, family and friends
Situational Factors:
- Purchase occasion, physical environment, time constraints, mood
4. Types of Consumer Behaviour:
- Complex Buying: High-involvement purchases with extensive information search and decision-making (e.g., cars, homes)
- Habitual Buying: Low-involvement purchases made with minimal thought (e.g., toothpaste, groceries)
- Variety-Seeking Buying: Purchases made to experience new products or brands (e.g., snacks, clothing)
- Dissonance-Reducing Buying: Purchases made to reduce post-purchase anxiety or regret (e.g., extended warranties)
5. Applications:
- Marketing: Understanding consumer needs, motivations, and decision-making to develop effective marketing strategies.
- Product Development: Creating products that meet consumer demands and address their pain points.
- Customer Service: Providing excellent service to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Public Policy: Informing policy decisions related to consumer protection, sustainability, and health.
Benefits of Understanding Consumer Behaviour:
- Increased sales and profits
- Improved customer satisfaction and loyalty
- Reduced marketing costs
- Enhanced product and service offerings
- Stronger brand differentiation